Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore 1AND1 LIFE, Inc.

The NFL is a tough business with tough people who understand how to navigate the ups and downs of the game. Some days you’re on top of the world and then within the blink of an eye, your career is over and you’re just another citizen. For some, a regular life without the glitz and glam is an easy transition while others struggle away from the spotlight and spend countless days and years looking for their next phase, their next challenge, their next reason why. 
“I’m glad that it (return to football), never worked out in any capacity because now what I’m doing is what I love.” – (Marques), 12:01
My guest today knows how it feels to be in the NFL, flying high in a space where only the most elite athletes soar. He also knows what it’s like to come crashing down. Marques Ogden is a man who has lived many lives, and he has astutely used each one to build what now stands as a model story of perseverance and success. After a successful stint in the NFL, he found his life spiraling out of control, but unlike many others who never gained control, he did. Ogden did and his journey from the depths of despair to the highest highs of success is truly amazing. 
“Wherever Prime goes, the media, the stars, all that, the lights follow. That’s just the way it is.” (Marques), 14:00
Today, Ogden sits down with us to discuss his views on mental health and professional sports, life as an NFL player, growing up with an older brother who is an NFL legend, and how he repositioned himself to become one of the most in-demand public speakers in the world. It’s an incredible conversation with a man who is bent on helping others reach their highest level.
“A lot of athletes live for their sport and when that sport is gone you don’t know what to do next and that’s how I felt when I lost football.” – (Marques), 19:25
“When I see people in any job, I don’t ever judge, I don’t ever assume, I don’t ever say that’s all they can do.” – (Marques), 34:35
In this episode:
(3:47) – Mental health and the NFL.
(5:10) – Marques discusses his divorce and therapy.
(6:45) – How the NFL helped Marques during his financial storm. 
(8:20) – Players are stigmatized surrounding their healthcare.
(9:40) – Marques laments the challenges older players face in terms of healthcare. 
(12:05) – Marques expresses gratitude about his journey.
(16:00) – Marques tips his hat to coaches on all levels. 
(17:52) – Marques discusses the mental strain that comes with physical limitations.
(20:03) – Andre the Giant and his struggles are discussed by Marques. 
(22:05) – Marques discusses his financial habits while playing in the NFL. 
(23:00)  - Marques reveals the rationale behind his 150 tattoos. 
(24:00) – The danger of drinking and tattooing. 
(27:58) – Marques discusses uncomfortable times playing center. 
(29:20) – How stem cell treatment has helped Marques and his health. 
(30:10) – The things Marques misses and the things he doesn’t.
(32:10) – Being selfish taught Marques a business lesson. 
(34:58) – The importance of knowing the entire story.
(38:16) – Danny discusses the need to have a hustle and the danger of burnout. 
(39:27) – Lessons learned from football and how Marques uses that in business. 
(41:52) – Dark days after Marques divorced his wife.
(43:25) – Marques purchases his dream home, six months after being in a dilapidated apartment.
(44:35) – Marques encourages listeners to pursue what they want while remaining astute. 
Our Guest
Growing up in a single-parent home with a father who inspired perseverance and fairness, Marques Ogden learned how to define his values and set goals. Ogden attended Howard University from 1998-2002 where he played Division I football. Ogden then followed his dream and his brother Jonathan’s footsteps, eventually getting drafted into the NFL in 2003. Overall, he

Mental health is a conversation that too many times people aren’t willing to have. It’s a real thing and even though people tend to ignore it, having those conversations, difficult though they are, is necessary. Contrary to popular belief, participants don’t have to be adults to weigh in, give an opinion, and seek help because mental health also impacts youngsters, and not addressing their fears and concerns can have a lingering impact on their lives. 
”I drink socially or occasionally, but what I really had to change was the environment around me.” – (Ross), 4:51
My guest today is Ross Szabo, a leading mental health advocate and a man who is working tirelessly to change the perceptions around mental health. His work includes how we approach it from a classroom dynamic as his vision calls for teachers, school districts, and leaders around the nation to begin building programs that address the very real phenomenon at an early age. He’s a pioneer in this field and continues to champion the needs of children through his groundbreaking programs and curriculums. 
“If I knew what panic disorder was in the sixth grade it would’ve been a lot easier for me to come forward and talk about it.” – (Danny), 18:43
Today, Ross discusses the challenges he faced as a child growing up in Pennsylvania, how those challenges impacted his life as well as his stance on how our nation should address mental health moving forward. Ross also shares several real-life experiences including the things he has seen during speaking engagements and the way those engagements have shaped his way of thinking. 
“When it comes to students, everybody just wants to be seen and heard.” – (Ross), 27:38
If you’ve been wondering how to address the mental health issues of young people within your sphere, pull up a chair and listen to Ross as he shares the wisdom he’s seen and learned along the way. This is an incredible conversation about a topic whose time has definitely come.
“Mental health isn’t just about emotions, it’s also relationships, it’s communication, it’s coping mechanisms.” – (Ross), 37:47
In This Episode:
(1:59) – Ross dives into how for years, he self-medicated heavily.
(2:52) – Ross discusses self-hate. 
(4:03) – At the age of 22, Ross hits rock bottom. 
(4:53) – The environment Ross was in was the biggest problem. 
(5:12) – Ross discusses his teen suicide attempt. 
(6:44) – Danny discusses the physical impact of mental health.
(9:03) – Ross talks about how he deals with bad mental health days.
(11:00) – Danny discusses his past relationship with alcohol. 
(13:14) – Ross dives deep into addiction.
(15:31) – Danny relives going to the mental hospital for the first time.
(17:20) – How David Barlow and his book saved Danny.
(19:35) – Ross talks about speaking to his mental challenges when he was in high school.
(21:08) – Ross was a pioneer in the mental health space.
(22:45) – Ross pitches the idea that classes should be taught on mental health. 
(24:03) – Ross emphasizes the importance of teachers using their stories to help drive mental health awareness and healing.
(26:06) – Ross discusses the ongoing challenges of youth mental health programs.
(28:09) – Ross emphasizes the importance of having content with integrity.
(30:35) – Mental health knows no race or gender boundaries.
(33:45) – The broad spectrum of mental health. 
(37:30) – Ross reveals eye-opening relationship statistics. 
(40:08) – Not fitting in at American University. 
(41:40) – Ross touches on his books.
(42:43) – Young people, technology, and anxiety. 
(43:18) – Ross discusses the differences between children of today and his day.
(46:10) – Danny discusses what he wishes he had done with family trauma.
(47:03) – Danny asks Ross about his views on using medicine for mental health. 
(48:03)

At some point all of our mental muscles are tested, some more than others, but everyone has a test that has come or is on the way. It could be a family tragedy for one person, a failed relationship, or business for another, or a dream that becomes a nightmare. Regardless of a person and their station in life, everyone will be given the opportunity to test their mental strength and fortitude. How they approach that situation and more importantly, how they emerge from it, tells the story.
“I learned that you shouldn’t put things off until someday. If you’re going to do it, do it now.” – (Amy), 2:41
My guest today is Amy Morin. She’s a respected psychotherapist, author, and woman who had her mental muscles tested in some of the most unimaginable ways. At the tender age of 23 she lost her mother and a few years later, while only 26, her husband passed. Both losses were sudden, and both required her to summon vast amounts of mental strength to get to the other side. Today she goes deep and helps us understand how to cope with loss, build our mental muscle, and be brave enough to pick up and begin living life again. 
“You can convince yourself of almost anything. Your body will respond to the way you talk to it.” – (Amy), 13:26
Life is a tough place to live, but being bold enough to continue living despite the curveballs and struggles that come your way makes it all the more rewarding. If you’ve been struggling with how you’re going to move forward and begin living again following a challenging experience, this episode is for you.
“Change the channel in your brain by giving yourself a random thought.” – (Amy), 41:36
In this Episode:
(3:10) – Writing helped her understand she could live anywhere.
(6:07) – Imposter Syndrome and the job.
(6:41) – The irony of falling apart while helping others put themselves back together. 
(7:22) – Amy talks about how she lives with the pain of loss.
(8:10) – Practical challenges after losing her husband. 
(9:30) – The role her sister played in her recovery.
(10:36) – Amy reveals she feels changed after the losses, but not broken. 
(12:01) – Being a therapist helped Amy through her struggles.
(14:48) – Amy speaks about the success of her TED talk. 
(15:23) – How eulogizing her husband unleashed the public speaker inside.
(18:15)- Meditation isn’t for everyone so don’t force it. 
(20:00) – Mental health and social media. 
(20:55) – Bad mental health advice and TikTok. 
(22:20) – Amy cautions listeners not to be drawn in by therapists based on their social media following size. 
(22:44) – Amy reveals that she has struggled with anxiety for most of her life. 
(28:15) – Amy opens up about generational trauma and the impact it has on lives. 
(29:02) – Amy on finding love after losing her husband. 
(31:30) – Danny and the way he uses mental gymnastics to justify behaviors. 
(35:30) – Amy conveys how lamenting the past can impact your present and future.
(39:50) – Amy helps listeners overcome intrusive thoughts.
(42:25) – Amy and how she helps others overcome their fear of failure.
(46:38) – Accountability and bad habits.
(53:14) – Fiction and mental health.
Our Guest
Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, faced early life challenges with the loss of her mother at 23 and husband at 26. Driven by personal adversity, she embarked on a journey to understand and cultivate mental strength. In 2013, she penned a letter outlining 13 habits that mentally strong individuals avoid, which gained viral traction and led to the publication of her first book. Today, Amy is a renowned author with six books, selling millions of copies globally.
Resources & Links
Off The Cuff
https://www.offthecuff.fm/ 
https://www.youtube.com/c/OffTheCuffwithDannyLoPriore 
https://www.instagram.com/1and1otc/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dannylopriore/
https://www.t

Everyone, regardless of what your life is about or where it leads you, enjoys a good meal during a night out. You can be a vegetarian or a meat lover to the extreme or someplace in between, but everyone loves a great meal at a nice place where their only duty is to feast on whatever gets placed before them. But what about the person behind the stove, on the grill, working hard in the kitchen? While we’re out there in the restaurant chowing down, living our best food dreams … what are they going through?
“I’ve come to realize that I’ve put in over 30,000 hours behind a cutting board and that’s a lot of reps!” – Chef Brother Luck, (1:50)
My guest today knows everything there is to know about a kitchen, creating a great meal, and bringing joy to diners. He also knows the hidden struggles a cook often faces. Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Chef Brother Luck. He’s hands down one of the most amazing cooks in the world and a man who understands what it takes to make it in life and the kitchen. His new book No Lucks Given: Life is Hard but There is Hope is a must-read and offers insights into how he made it and how you can do the same!
“I grew up around pimps and hustlers, and drug dealers and those were the first people that gave me mentorship.” – Chef Brother Luck, (6:54)
If you’re on the cusp, wondering how to make your next move your best move, asking yourself if you have what it takes, have a listen as Chef Brother Luck assures you that regardless of what others think, all you need is you!
“Leadership and mentorship require trust and the only way you can gain trust is to be vulnerable and transparent.” – Chef Brother Luck, (36:30)
In this episode:
(2:39) – Brother’s relationship with his father. 
(3:50) – Family life in the Bay Area. 
(4:38) – Brother’s favorite stadium he likes to eat at. 
(5:03) – The changing dynamics of being a chef. 
(6:54) – Brother reveals that some of his first mentors were negative mentors. 
(7:15) – The corner, hustle mentality is woven into his business approach. 
(7:50) – Danny reveals his first mentor. 
(8:26) – Exposure to other lifestyles helps Brother grow personally and professionally. 
(9:33) – Culinary helped him become more confident.
(10:25) – Brother and his approach to Bobby Flay.
(11:40) – BBQ in 45 minutes.
(13:30) – The importance of ratings for shows and their realities. 
(15:08) – Mental health and kitchens. 
(15:23) – Sucking it up in the kitchen and how the kitchen can break a person. 
(15:44) – The industry calls the chef family but doesn’t treat them as such. 
(16:10) – Mental health awareness is needed in the industry/kitchen. 
(16:45) – Fear of failure is a part of every day for a kitchen owner.
(20:10) – How the pandemic changed his business model. 
(20:47) – Chefs are solution-oriented. 
(21:16) – Brother and Imposter Syndrome. 
(21:50) – Feeling out of place in Aspen. 
(22:35) – The words of wisdom from Marcus Sanderson. 
(24:00) – Brother and therapy. 
(24:45) – Friends and family aren’t the best therapists.
(29:40) – Weight loss, sobriety, and general health. 
(31:07) – Brother and his new diet. 
(31:50) – The journey from 285 to 225.
(34:40) – The last battlefield is the kitchen. 
(35:10) – The need to change the leadership style of the restaurant. 
(37:00) – The restaurant business doesn’t love you back according to Brother. 
(38:20) – All he knows is the kitchen and the cutting board. 
(39:50) – The turning point and importance of seeing his view through. 
(40:44) – Follow your heart, but know the road isn’t easy. 
(41:20) – There’s no work-life balance … there’s only balance.
(43:40) – Your decision is about more than you.
Our Guest
Chef Brother Luck, an acclaimed restaurateur

Food is necessary in our lives. It helps us grow, heals us, fuels us and when consumed properly, brings us joy. But there are instances when food can be an instrument of destruction, causing us to live life far below the way it was meant to be lived. In the most extreme situations, food can actually shorten our lives if the wrong kinds and volumes are consumed … for the wrong reasons. 
“I believe that we need to be playing, all day, every day.” – (Kim), 4:41
Today, I welcome Kim Shapira back to the show and we’ll go deep into my relationship with food. Kim is an amazing woman who counsels patients on how to properly manage their consumption patterns and in the process, take control of their lives. We’ll go into the dark corners and pull out the hidden pieces of my past that have made my relationship with what I eat, when I eat, and how much I eat, a challenge.
“We don’t need to be thinking about what we’re going to be eating next Thursday, we need to focus on where we are right now, in this moment, right now.” (Kim), 7:00
“You need to always make sure your mind is in your body.” – (Kim), 23:25
Hey, listen, food is an essential part of life, but even more essential is how we manage it. If you’ve been struggling in this area and you’re ready to take control, I mean really take control, this is the show you’ve been waiting for. Pull up a chair and sit down at the table, for the right reasons and have a listen to the one and only Kim Shapira.
“Your body is giving you signals all day long, it’s your job to honor them.” (Kim), 24:10
In this Episode:
(2:44) – Danny discusses how he copes with things on the outside. 
(3:30) – Danny shares why he thinks people follow him on social media. 
(4:00) – The song that halts Danny’s work with children, goes from curse to blessing.
(4:40) – Kim tells Danny that he’s working with the inner child of the people he comes into contact with. 
(5:02) – Danny discusses his defense mechanism. 
(5:25) – Danny opens up as to why he’s jealous of his parents’ generation. 
(6:08) – Kim discusses The Flea Study.
(6:40) – Kim says we’re all dealing with trauma on some level. 
(7:10) – The need to raise vibrations.
(7:40) – 15 minutes of laughter translates into two hours of pain-free time. 
(8:20) – Danny still longs to work with children. 
(8:40) – Kim advises Danny to see his audience as kids. 
(9:24) – Danny discusses his home life as a child.
(11:24) – Kims feels Danny needs to “love on” his inner child. 
(12:10) – Kim discusses how you can have several marriages within a marriage. 
(12:48) – Danny and the theory of life being an anthology. 
(14:09) – Neck pain, phones, and the future of our bodies.
(16:30) – Kim cautions Danny about his water intake.
(17:50) – Danny opens up about his diet. 
(21:34) – Ozempic performance and how it impacts Danny. 
(22:00) – Rules for eating.
(22:25) – Kim encourages Danny to practice grounding.
(22:35) – Kim advises Danny to say three things he’s grateful for before he opens his eyes. 
(23:52) – Do a body scan before eating. 
(24:24) – If you don’t know where your mind is, that’s a problem for your body.
(25:03) – Kim reveals that 47% of our day is on autopilot. 
(27:40) – Kim encourages Danny to move away from using food as his comfort. 
(30:24) – Focus on eating only when you’re hungry. 
(30:45) – Danny has challenges with portion control. 
(33:00) – There’s nothing wrong with loving food, but for the right reasons. 
(33:12) – Kim asks Danny if he’s crushing food or if food is crushing him. 
(33:34) – Danny’s admission about his relationship with food. 
(34:00) – The three different ways Danny says I’m sorry to his inner child. 
(34:30) – The power of self-compassion. 
(36:04) – Kim reveals where

Bare-knuckle fighting is not for the faint of heart. It’s a tough sport and you have to be wired a little differently to step into a ring where you’re reliant on yourself, not a teammate or a coach on the sideline for success. Those rounds can seem like an eternity for a boxer, filled with intensity, blood, sweat, and tears. It’s a tough sport, ruled by tougher men, and one that’s on the rise in the global sports community. 
“My father was like super-cool and taught me martial arts, so he was like my big brother more than my dad.” Lorenzo, (3:13)
Today, I spend time talking to a man who stands atop the bare-knuckle fighting world, roundly recognized as the premier talent in that sport. He’s Lorenzo Hunt, also known as, “The Juggernaut” and one of the greatest fighters of this or any other generation. I sit down with him to discuss some of the struggles he’s had to overcome, his approach to life, his sport, and how he maintains a healthy mental state. 
“I think that we really should take into consideration the mental health of our athletes more.” – Lorenzo, (6:22)
This is a fascinating conversation and one that will undoubtedly inspire you to move to new heights in your life from both a physical and more importantly, a mental state. Both are integral parts of our lives and today, we tackle them head on with a man who only knows one direction … forward!
“It doesn’t matter how you try to hurt someone, it’s going to hurt.” – Lorenzo, (13:34)
“For the most part, my training is my therapy.” – Lorenzo, (30:24)
In this Episode:
(2:00) – Lorenzo has always been a fighter. 
(2:13) – He was targeted by other kids and that was a trigger for him.
(4:04) – Social anxieties caused him to go deep into his craft and become diverse. 
(4:45) – Mental health wasn’t discussed in Lorenzo’s house.
(5:50) – The correlation between mental and physical health. 
(6:34) – Lorenzo shares his views on mental health evaluations for fighters. 
(7:31) – The Mark Richman fight.
(8:30) – Lorenzo discusses the danger of not being ready for a fight mentally. 
(8:56) – Physically strong people are mentally strong people too according to Lorenzo. 
(9:32) – Lorenzo reveals that he advocates for suicide prevention. 
(9:54) – The enemy within is real according to Lorenzo. 
(11:08) – Lorenzo takes no joy in hurting his opponent. 
(12:32) – The switch to bare knuckle fighting is.
(15:20) – Lorenzo in the ring and Lorenzo outside are two different people. 
(16:55) – Paranoia and fight night. 
(17:40) – Lorenzo explains why he’s always careful in social settings.
(21:30) – Lorenzo laments the disrespect he’s received from some of his opponents. 
(22:42) – The problems Lorenzo has with the city of Cleveland. 
(26:03) – Opening up isn’t a sign of weakness.
(28:28) – What Lorenzo said to himself after Richman knocked him down.
(29:05) – Lorenzo feels no emotion during the fight which is a learned behavior. 
(30:20) – Lorenzo reveals that he’s open to therapy.
(31:58) – Lorenzo thinks everyone needs to find that one thing they love and do it for their own mental stability. 
(33:36) – Lorenzo fights to stay away from where the enemy within lives.
(34:10) – Advice for fighting the enemy within. 
(37:36) – The surrealness of being a celebrity. 
(38:00) – Lorenzo discusses his life and imposter syndrome. 
(38:44) – When self-doubt begins to creep in.
(42:31) – The importance of giving others a chance to see tomorrow.
(43:15) – The loss that still haunts The Juggernaut. 
(43:40) – The power of learning how you learn. 
(44:44) – Even the misses are important to Lorenzo. 
Our Guest 
Born on September 9, 1982, Lorenzo Hunt began his combat sports journey in 2013 in Florida's MMA scene, turning pro after two years. Known as "The Jugger